Columbus deputies investigate Christmas hit & run death

CERRO GORDO, NC (WWAY) -- Investigators in Columbus County are one step closer to finding out who killed a Cerro Gordo man over the holiday weekend. The body of 27-year-old Michael Strickland was found Christmas morning just feet away from Cedar Grove Church Road.

At first there was speculation the death could have been a homicide or a traffic accident. The Columbus County Sheriff's Office says further investigation of the scene quickly ruled out the theory that Strickland's body was place alongside the road.

The body was taken to the medical examiner, and the results show that this was not a homicide, but rather a hit and run traffic death.

"I got notification from the medical examiner's office that the abrasions and wounds to the body were consistent with those of being struck by a vehicle," Maj. Lewis Hatcher said.

Investigators say no one saw the hit and run. They don't have a description of the vehicle, but deputies are keeping an eye open for a car or truck with body damage.

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